Jackie & Brian -Surprise! they’re married! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Jackie & Brian -Surprise! they’re married! {Canmore wedding photographer}

Whoa. Wait. Surprise? That is the response I got over and over when I told friends and colleagues and facebook followers what I had just done. My favourite was when people thought Brian had surprised Jackie with a wedding. yikes that would have been awkward. And illegal I think! So no, Brian and Jackie were the co-conspirators of this extra-ordinary wedding held at Murrieta’s in Canmore, Alberta. They decided quite a few months ago that they wanted to do something a little different, a little special. I was brought in on the ground level and thoroughly enjoyed helping to scheme and plot. They used an engagement party asĀ  the ruse to get their family and friends to make the trek to Canmore, citing that it was to be a big event and that it was extremely important to them to have everyone there. The party would start as any other engagement party might, with lots of greetings, drinks, food and music. Little did the guests know that myself, my uber fabulous second shooter extraordinaire Blair (check her out), Jackie, Brian and their entire wedding party had just spent a few hours shooting their creatives. (On a side note, I have to thank everyone in the wedding party for braving the cold with smiles and laughter) The bride and groom changed out of their wedding attire and back into party clothes in time to greet all their guests. The scene was set for a great night with soft dinner music playing and lots of reunions between family members and loved ones. Then, at precisely 6pm, there was a sudden and very loud music change; Marry Me by Bruno Mars was blasted over the speakers and the wait staff of Murrietas kicked into high gear, swooping in and taking the tables out from under the guests. There was confusion, nervous smiles and a lot of whispers as the room suddenly began to take shape as a wedding ceremony complete with altar and several rows of chairs creating an aisle. Before even I knew it, the ring bearers were walking down the aisle bringing in the stunning vision that was Jackie. The entire plan, the whole night went off without a hitch, not even a glitch. Upon exiting the ceremony, the newlyweds were bombarded with hugs, friendly jabs and jaws on the ground. They had done it with all the love in the world, wanting to create a special surprise for everyone they loved. A photobooth completed the evening as well as some pretty wicked dance moves and the most delicious cookies ever. It was such an honor to capture and be part of something so daring and unique. The only thing missing was Brian’s white stead, but perhaps there can be another party… right Brian? Until next time, Enjoy! x